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Two weeks ago, the long-anticipated return of the Legacy Nights Summer Concert Series at Legacy Grove Park – presented by Legacy Greenscapes – was postponed due to rain. 

Yet on its rescheduled date of Tuesday, May 28th, no one would be held back. 

An estimated 400-500 people were in attendance at Legacy Grove Park on W. Lexington Avenue for the opening night of the 2024 version. 

“It was bigger and better than we ever imagined,” said Deborah Jackson, executive director of Legacy Greenscapes. “Over the past two seasons of concerts, it was probably our biggest show…it really proved to us that we’re doing the right thing.” 

With the weather sunny and the temperature warm, dozens of individuals and families – along with a flurry of furry animal friends – attended the concert, utilizing lawn chairs, blankets and more in providing a relaxed atmosphere. 

For those who wanted to dine, food and beverage were in no short supply as a variety of food trucks – good for both dinner and dessert – were present. 

Several local businesses also were on display with tents set up, where others could pick up flyers and more to gather additional information. 

As was the case with last year’s event, local non-profit organizations such as Clark County Community Services were present to further raise community awareness. 

With most people present to hear the lively music, Legacy Greenscapes added something unique to this year’s edition. 

“Our opening acts are all youth performers,” Jackson said. 

On Tuesday night, Scott County teens Kara Dedman and Adley Cropp took to the stage to much fanfare. 

“[They] played for about 40 minutes on stage,” Jackson said, noting that Dedman also performed during the inaugural 2022 Summer concert series. “That’s really exciting. It gives the youth some time on stage…our crowd for [opening acts] has never been so big!” 

Before long, the crowd was ready to hear from the day’s headline performer. 

While a variety of different performers will be showcased throughout the Summer Concert Series, which goes through October, Tuesday’s edition was The Lauren Mink Band. 

The name is likely familiar to many throughout Clark County. 

Mink, a country singer, is also a local insurance agent with Clark County Farm Bureau. 

“I joked with Lauren that I was hoping the size of the crowd was all about their love of Legacy Nights, but I’m guessing that some of it was about their love of Lauren Mink and the Lauren Mink Band,” Jackson said in jest. “She’s actually a big supporter of the park and everything we do!”

For the first rendition of the Legacy Nights Concert Series, sponsors were Dr. Rebecca Bartee, a general surgeon, and Syndy Hood Deese, who works at Wells Fargo Advisors. 

“They are our first [actual] individual sponsors”, Jackson said. “[They] stepped in and said, ‘How much does it cost to make [Legacy Grove Concert Series] happen for a night?’. We want to do it.’ [They]  had a wonderful time.” 

Different companies – including Fayette Electrical Service, Inc. and Pearl Interactive Network – are among the over 25 sponsors in the community. 

As the series continues, Jackson continues showing optimism. 

“I’d love to see everybody come back,” she said, noting that future crowd participation events will be featured. “You can tell people keep coming back and they like it!”